ECTS in the News!

Many good things happen with students, faculty and staff at the Erie County Technical School. It is our pleasure to share their successes with you.

6/24/2008 - 39th annual Senior Awards Program at McDowell Intermediate
- Published by: Galbraith, Melissa

Erie, PA . . . The Erie County Technical School (ECTS) recently held the 39th annual Senior Awards Program at McDowell Intermediate. During the ceremony, 238 seniors from 11 Erie County sending school districts were presented with certificates marking the successful completion of his/her program of study along with numerous awards and scholarships.

Cole Schweigert, a Drafting & Design student from General McLane High School was selected as the winner of the $500 Erie County Technical School Scholarship from the Erie County Technical School Foundation. Tina Raeke, a Drafting & Design student from McDowell High School was selected as the winner of the $500 Erie County Technical School Scholarship from the American Federation of Teachers.

The Erie County Technical School Foundation presented $400 scholarships to Cody Gilbert, Automotive Technologies, Girard High School; Ashley Perkins, Networking Technologies, General McLane High School; Anthony Solvedt, Networking Technologies, Girard High School; Andrea Adams, Health Assistant, Harbor Creek High School; Jessica Bretz, Culinary Arts, Harbor Creek High School; Jacob Palo, Drafting & Design, Northwestern High School; Amanda Takach, Tourism & Hospitality Management, Northwestern High School; Jesse Steinhoff, Tool & Die, Union City High School; and Anne Marie Bayhurst, Health Assistant, Seneca High School.

Jessica Bretz, a Culinary Arts student from Harbor Creek High School was this year’s recipient of the Rebecca Zimmerman Positive Spirit Award. This award is given in memory of Rebecca Zimmerman, a 1999 graduate of the Culinary Arts program who while afflicted with a terminal illness, continued to personify a positive attitude in all aspects of her life. This is presented to the Culinary Arts student who emulates this spirit.

Jesse Adams, a Computer Information Systems student from Fairview High School, received the Dean Major Outstanding Computer Science Student Award. Dean Major, a former Computer Programming student, was afflicted with muscular dystrophy. His illness was never a deterrent to his scholastic abilities and achievements although physically each day was a struggle to survive. This award is given annually to a Computer Programming student who exemplifies scholastic achievement in Computer Science.

Sean Peters, a Metal Fabrication student from Fort LeBoeuf High School received a $300 savings bond for being named as the Millreeek Kiwanis Student of the Year.

Many students were recognized for a variety of other accomplishments and certifications including: Pennsylvania Skills Certificate, Pennsylvania State Safety Inspection Certification, Pennsylvania State Emissions Inspection Certification, ASE/NATEF Student Technician Certification, State Nurse Aide Certification, Food Safety Manager Certification, Child Care Aide and the Assistant Group Supervisor Certification, CARE Servers Certificate, RAMP Servers Certificate, SP2 Certification for Safety and Pollution Prevention, NCCR Craft and Safety Certification and much more. Students were also recognized for their year-long accomplishments in the SkillsUSA organization, the National Technical Honor Society, Millcreek Kiwanis Outstanding Student of the Month and for their cooperative education experiences.

The following students were selected as the Outstanding Seniors for their individual labs:
Program Student Home school
Art & Design Amanda Hilbert General McLane
Auto Body Repair Richard Durko Harbor Creek
Automotive Technologies Cody Gilbert Girard
Computer Information Chad Douglass Union City
Construction Trades Anthony Booser McDowell
Cosmetology Ashley Nolf McDowell
Culinary Arts David Loop Seneca
Drafting and Design Tina Raeke McDowell
Early Childhood Education Kellie Orkowski Seneca
Electrical Engineering Micah Snyder McDowell
Electronics Nathan King Harbor Creek
Facility Maintenance David Retkowski McDowell
Graphics Communications Jeremy Walker Girard
Health Assistant Andrea Adams Harbor Creek
Metal Fabrication Sean Peters Fort LeBoeuf
Networking Technologies Eric Harrington Northwestern
Tool and Die Michael Ragen McDowell
Tourism & Hospitality Laurie Slawinski Fort LeBoeuf

These recent graduates of the Erie County Technical School all have varying career plans. Some students will enter the armed forces and have already been accepted into the Marines, Navy, Air Force, Army and the National Guard. Other students will continue their post-secondary education at a college, university or technical institute while many others plan to directly enter the workforce.

5/12/2008 - INDUCTS 16 NEW MEMBERS TO THE NATIONAL TECHNICAL HONOR SOCIETY
- Published by: Galbraith, Melissa

Erie, PA . . . The Erie County Technical School (ECTS), 8500 Oliver Road, held its annual National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) induction ceremony where 16 students received America’s highest award for excellence in career and technical education.

This year’s recipients by program are: Automotive Technology – Cody Gilbert, Girard High School; Computer Information Systems – Wil Pitonyak and Ryan Hoover, Harbor Creek High School; Cosmetology – Katlyn Parker, McDowell High School and Ashley Ace, Seneca High School; Culinary Arts – Reuben Sheppard, General McLane High School, Amanda Slupski, Girard High School and Dan Thomas, Harbor Creek High School; Early Childhood Education – Alayna Wokulich, Fort LeBoeuf High School; Electronics – Justin Gajewski, McDowell High School, David Rhodes, Union City High School and Devin Smith, Girard High School; Facility Maintenance Technologies – Andrew Wargo, Fort LeBouef High School; Health Assistant – Nichole LaMaye, McDowell High School; Tourism & Hospitality Management – Amanda Takach, Northwestern High School and Tiffany Blair, Union City High School.

In order to be selected for membership, candidates must carry a B average or higher at ECTS while maintaining a high grade average at their home school. In addition to academic achievement, students must demonstrate excellent work skills and attitude, exemplary attendance, leadership, scholarship, integrity, service, responsibility and good character. Students must have at least one instructor recommendation. Since its inception, over 275 ECTS students, representing schools throughout Erie County have been inducted into the National Technical Honor Society Chapter.

The evening’s keynote speaker was Heather Cass, special section coordinator for the Erie Times-News. Bob Craft, NTHS advisor and Tourism & Hospitality Management instructor, served as the Master of Ceremonies.

The purpose of the National Technical Honor Society is to reward excellence in workforce education; develop self-esteem, pride and encourage students to reach for higher levels of achievement; promote business and industry's critical work-place values – honesty, responsibility, initiative, teamwork, productivity, leadership and citizenship; help schools build and maintain effective partnerships with local business and industry; and champion a stronger, more positive image for workforce education in America. NTHS is a non-profit educational organization established to honor excellence in workforce education.

5/8/2008 - FIRST PLACE IN DRAFTING COMPETITION AT BUTLER COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
- Published by: Galbraith, Melissa

Erie, PA . . . Students in the Drafting and Design program at the Erie County Technical School (ECTS), 8500 Oliver Road, recently took first place in the technical/career school division at the 17th annual Drafting Competition and Technology Fair sponsored by Butler County Community College.

This year’s competition included four drafting categories – Mechanical Drafting (manual), Architectural Drafting (manual), AutoCAD Machine 2D and Inventor 3D. Students were evaluated on line weights, accuracy, dimensions and notations, lettering, overall appearance and neatness.

Amber Taylor, a second year drafting student at ECTS and a junior at Seneca High School took first place in architectural board drafting while Andrew Fritz, a first year student who also hails from Seneca High School took first place in mechanical board drawing. Nate Gaff, a third year drafting student and a senior at Iroquois High School placed first in AutoCAD mechanical contest.

Taking first and second place respectively in 3D mechanical drafting were third year students, Cole Schweigert, a senior at General McLane High School and Tina Raeke, a senior at McDowell High School.

This highly competitive competition was introduced in 1991 with only seven high schools and 60 contestants. Today, it has become the premier high school drafting competition in western Pennsylvania attracting over 20 schools and more than 160 students.

For their efforts, all first place winners received $75 cash while second and third place recipients received $50 and $25 respectively. ECTS was the overall first place winner in the technical school category. Clearfield County Career & Technology Center placed second and Central High School took home the third place trophy.

“This annual competition is a great opportunity for high school students to demonstrate their technical knowledge, skills and problems solving abilities,” said Mariea Sargent, Drafting & Design instructor at ECTS. “It’s also beneficial for educators who have the opportunity to network during the competitions. We can share and discuss the latest initiatives, curriculum ideas and instructional methods used in the drafting and design industry.”

In addition to the competitions, visiting students were given a guided tour of the campus and had the chance to learn more about admission requirements and the various opportunities available at Butler County Community College.

5/6/2008 - MILLCREEK KIWANIS CLUB’S OUTSTANDING STUDENT OF THE MONTH
- Published by: Galbraith, Melissa

5/1/2008 - Bob Craft, Tourism & Hospitality Management instructor named Teacher of the Year by the PA Tourism & Lodging Association
- Published by: Galbraith, Melissa

4/21/2008 - AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES STUDENTS QUALIFY FOR STATE AUTO SKILLS COMPETITION
- Published by: Galbraith, Melissa

Erie, PA . . . Two students from the Erie County Technical School’s Automotive Technologies program recently qualified to compete in the Pennsylvania Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition. Cody Gilbert, a senior at Girard High School and Clayton Peterman, a senior at Harbor Creek High School, will compete for the state title on May 15, 2008 at Penn College of Technology in Williamsport, PA. Gilbert and Peterman gained rights to compete at the state level based on their scores from the State Qualifying Exam.

The competition, which is divided into two areas, consists of a State Qualifying Exam and a “hands-on” competition. Ten students from each participating career and technical high school across the state are selected by their instructors to sit for the written portion of the competition. The two highest scoring students from each school are then qualified to compete in the “hands-on” portion of the state competition.

Students vying for the state title in May will compete against each other in diagnosing and correcting identical malfunctions deliberately installed in the electrical, starting, ignition, charging, fuel, emission control systems or body hardware of a Ford Motor Company vehicle. Workmanship, speed, accuracy and the State Qualifying Exam results are applied as factors in the judging process.

The top high school students, representing all 50 states, will compete for scholarships and prizes and the right to advance to the national Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills finals in Washington D.C.

The Ford/AAA competition, the largest automotive technology service contest in the world, is a nationwide program that involves students enrolled in auto technology programs in secondary schools and colleges that serve local high schools. The main goal of the Ford/AAA student Auto Skills Competition is to prepare and recruit students for rewarding careers in the automotive service field.

Mr. Dave Michalak and Mr. Fred Brockman are the Automotive Technologies instructors at the Erie County Technical School.

4/17/2008 - STUDENT WINS STATE SKILLS COMPETITION
- Published by: Galbraith, Melissa

Erie, PA . . . Sean Peters, a Metal Fabrication student from the Erie County Technical School (ECTS), 8500 Oliver Road, recently earned a gold medal at the annual SkillsUSA State Leadership Conference and Competition. Hundreds of students from all over Pennsylvania competed in this three-day event held in Hershey, PA. The state competition is sponsored by SkillsUSA, a national organization that provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development.

Peters, a senior at Fort LeBoeuf High School, took first place in the Sheet Metal competition. Contestants in the sheet metal contest are tested on their ability to perform such jobs as connecting sheet metal pieces with drive cleats, spot welding and riveting. Skills tested may include straight duct, transition fitting and 45-degree entry tap fitting. Professional sheet metal workers judge contestants on the basis of use of hand tools, correctness of layout, and shop safety procedures.

Through his first place win, Peters also qualifies to compete at the 44th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference which will be held in Kansas City, MO in June.

Other competitors from ECTS include Andrew Wargo, Fort LeBoeuf High School; Jeremy Walker, Girard High School; Daniel Thomas and Christopher Ward, Harbor Creek High School; David Retkowski and Anthony Booser, McDowell High School; Derek Swab, Northwestern High School; Tyler Boyce, Union City High School; and Kellie Orlowski, Seneca High School.

“We are extremely proud of our students and are very excited to have a first place winner representing ECTS at the national competition this summer,” said Donna Erdman, SkillsUSA advisor and instructor of Early Childhood Education. “The SkillsUSA competitions are designed to test job skills against industry standards. The competitions also offer students scholarship opportunities and provide a great networking forum,” added Erdman.

SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving more than 280,000 high school and college students and professional members enrolled in training programs in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations. SkillsUSA builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills. It emphasizes total quality at work, high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education and pride in the dignity of work. SkillsUSA also promotes understanding of the free enterprise system and involvement in community service activities.

4/1/2008 - PUBLISHED IN SPE - April 2008
- Published by: Galbraith, Melissa

The quest for the Patrick R. Locco Scholarship Award has been a long standing tradition for decades at the Erie County Technical School (ECTS) and a tradition at the Manufacturers’ Association of Northwest Pennsylvania (MANP) beginning in 1972. This award, formerly called the Golden Watch Award, was established to recognize outstanding high school students who distinguished themselves in the pursuit of technical and academic excellence. It was later renamed in honor of the Association Vice President, Patrick R. Locco, who was a strong advocate of vocational education.

The Patrick R. Locco Scholarship Award is presented annually to one student from each of the area’s career and technical high schools including ECTS, the City of Erie Regional Career and Technical School, Corry Area Career and Technical Center and the Crawford County Area Vocational-Technical School.

The rigorous process begins at ECTS each January as instructors in manufacturing related programs select their choice of potential candidates. Once the selection has been narrowed down to five viable candidates, each candidate then must go before a panel of judges representing the Manufacturers’ Association. Nominees respond to a series of questions designed to identify the nominee’s technical, academic and communication skills. Their poise, attitude, professionalism and extracurricular activities are also considered in the scoring.

The annual process has been completed and the ECTS is pleased to announce that Tina, Raeke, a Drafting & Design student from McDowell High School, was selected as this year’s recipient of the Patrick R. Locco Scholarship Award. Other nominees from ECTS include Cole Schweigert, a Drafting & Design student from General McLane High School; Nathan King, an Electronics student from Harbor Creek High School; Sean Peters, a Metal Fabrication student from Fort LeBoeuf High School; and Mike Ragan, a Tool & Die student from McDowell High School.

According to Renee York, special events coordinator at the MANP, “Tina excelled in all areas of the interview.” York further added, “Tina is a remarkable advocate for the technical education system. She feels strongly that more needs to be done to encourage students to pursue what they have an interest in or what they are good at. Tina was truly a remarkable candidate in a group of other amazing students.”

“All of the students excelled at the interviewing process,” continued York. “Questions were specifically geared towards each student and included things such as what prompted you to choose a technical education, where do you see yourself in five years, describe a recent project that has made a fulfilling part of your education at ECTS, how would others describe you, what one thing in life makes you most proud and who is the most influential person in your life. Their answers were most impressive.”

In addition to attending ECTS for three years, Raeke is currently participating in a cooperative education experience at Lord Corporation in the vehicles and equipment department. She has been accepted in the Engineering Department at Penn State Erie – The Behrend College where she will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

Each nominee from ECTS will be continuing their education following graduation from ECTS in May. Cole Schweigert has been accepted at the Pittsburgh Technical Institute where he will begin a two year program in July for mechanical drafting.

Nathan King is currently participating in a cooperative education program at Lighthouse Electric and plans to enroll in either the computer technician or basic electronics program at Erie Institute of Technology.

Sean Peters will attend Jamestown Community College in the fall where he will take business classes while completing a program in professional piloting.

Mike Regan has been working at Horsepower Inc. as part of a cooperative education experience. Regan will continue working at Horsepower while he pursues a degree in mechanical engineering at Penn State Erie – The Behrend College.

All recipients and nominees for the Patrick R. Locco Memorial Scholarship Award will be honored for their accomplishments at the Association’s 103rd Annual Event in June. All recipients of the award will receive a $1,000 scholarship to apply toward post-secondary training and education and all nominees in attendance at the event will receive $100 and a certificate.

The ECTS proudly displays a plaque in the high school office which bears the names of all the Patrick R. Locco Memorial Scholarship Award winners. Although Tina Raeke is the only name that will be added to the plaque for 2008, the ECTS whole heartedly congratulates each and every student for their outstanding accomplishments and wishes them all the best in their future endeavors.

3/31/2008 - WINNER OF THE 2008 PATRICK R. LOCCO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
- Published by: Galbraith, Melissa

Erie, PA . . . The Erie County Technical School (8500 Oliver Road) recently announced that Tina Raeke, a Drafting & Design student from McDowell High School, was selected as this year’s recipient of the Patrick R. Locco Memorial Scholarship Award, sponsored by the Manufacturers’ Association of Northwest Pennsylvania. Raeke will receive a $1,000 scholarship to continue her education and training.

Raeke is currently participating in a cooperative education experience at Lord Corporation and has been accepted in the engineering department at Penn State Erie – The Behrend College where she will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

The other nominees from the Erie County Technical School for this year’s award were Cole Schweigert, a Drafting & Design student from General McLane High School; Nathan King, an Electronics student from Harbor Creek High School; Sean Peters, a Metal Fabrication student from Fort LeBoeuf High School; and Mike Ragan, a Tool & Die student from McDowell High School. Each nominee will receive a monetary award of $100.

“Candidates were nominated by their technology instructors and later participated in an intensive personal interview conducted by a committee from the Manufacturers’ Association,” explained Patty Palo, guidance counselor. “Students were selected for not only their academic and technical abilities but they were also judged on a written essay, interviewing skills and professional attire. Each and every student should be very proud of their achievements.”

The Patrick R. Locco Memorial Scholarship Award is only available to students enrolled in technical programs at Erie County Technical School, City of Erie Regional Career and Technical School; Corry Area High School and Crawford County Area Vocational-Technical School.

All nominees and winners of the Patrick R. Locco Memorial Scholarship Award will be recognized at the Association’s 103rd Annual Event in June.

The Patrick R. Locco Award was created in 1972 by the Manufacturers’ Association of Northwest Pennsylvania to recognize outstanding high school students who distinguished themselves in pursuit of technical and academic excellence. This scholarship was named in honor of the Association Vice President, Patrick R. Locco, who was a strong advocate of vocational education.

3/31/2008 - STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THE ROTARY LEADERSHIP CAMP
- Published by: Galbraith, Melissa

Erie, PA . . . Seven students from the Erie County Technical School (ECTS), 8500 Oliver Road, recently participated in the Rotary Outstanding Vocational Award (ROVA) 2008 Leadership Camp held at the McKeever Environmental Learning Center in Sandy Lake, PA.

To help offset the costs associated with this intensive educational program, area Rotary Club’s including Erie, Edinboro, Wesleyville and Presque Isle offered sponsorships to participating students from ECTS.

T.J. Ruff and Devin Smith, both Electronics students from Girard High School, were sponsored by the Erie Rotary Club.

General McLane students, Reuben Sheppard, Culinary Arts and Carly Dunkel, Health Assistant were sponsored by the Edinboro Rotary Club.

Greg Schuster, a Electrical Engineering student from North East High School, was sponsored by the Wesleyville Rotary while A.J. Wargo, a Facility Maintenance Technologies student from Fort LeBoeuf and Yuliya Avatyuk, a Health Assistant student from Girard were sponsored by the Presque Isle Rotary Club.

ROVA Leadership Camp, was introduced four years ago by the Rotarians in Northwest PA, District 7280. The program is designed to award students who attend vocational schools and have the potential to be leaders in their chosen fields. ROVA encourages leadership of youth by youth and provides positive training experiences for selected youth and potential leaders. They recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities, their peers and their school.

The ROVA Leadership Camp provided the students with activities to build self confidence, develop communication skills, team building and leadership skills. The ROVA curriculum also included ethics of positive leadership, problem solving and conflict management, time management and decision-making, service to the community, community and global citizenship and volunteer leadership. Over 80 students attended the event, which was sponsored by 39 Rotary Clubs.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional people located around the world who work in various capacities to help people of all ages. Rotarians especially enjoy helping and encouraging young people.

3/13/2008 - AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN STATE AUTO SKILLS COMPETITION
- Published by: Galbraith, Melissa

2/21/2008 - MILLCREEK KIWANIS CLUB’S OUTSTANDING STUDENT OF THE MONTH
- Published by: Galbraith, Melissa

2/18/2008 - PARTICIPATES IN STATEWIDE CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION WEEK
- Published by: Galbraith, Melissa

Erie, PA . . . Three students from the Erie County Technical School (ECTS), 8500 Oliver Road, recently traveled to Harrisburg, PA to participate in Career & Technical Education Week. Eric Harrington, Justin Gajewski and Andrea Adams along with Elaine Shaffer, business partnerships coordinator and Dr. Also Jackson, director, joined more than 100 students from over 30 Pennsylvania technical schools to celebrate the event and to raise awareness of the importance of technical education.

The two-day event, now in its 18th year, featured displays, exhibits and hands-on demonstrations that gave career and technical education students an opportunity to show off their skills. ECTS students set-up a display in the East Wing Rotunda of the Capitol Building where they were greeted by Pennsylvania State House Representatives Patrick Harkins, District 1; Florindo Fabrizio, District 2; John Hornaman, District 3; Curtis Sonney, District 4; John Evans, District 5; and Speaker of the House, Dennis O’Brien. Following a tour of the legislative floors, students were presented with proclamations congratulating them on being selected as representatives of the ECTS student body.

“Our student representatives were selected based upon grades, attendance, recommendations from instructors and personal interviews,” explained Shaffer. “These students, selected from a large pool of candidates, are exceptional individuals. They are serious, hard working young people; truly good citizens and commendable representatives of our school and of our state. We are proud to have these students represent the ECTS.”

Eric Harrington is a Networking Technologies student at ECTS and a senior at Northwestern High School. Between his networking classes at Northwestern and ECTS, Harrington especially appreciates learning about new and emerging technologies and keeping up-to-date on networking fundamentals, computer maintenance and customer service. He is currently working toward Network + certification and plans to attend Erie Business Center in the fall to obtain a degree in Information Technology.

Justin Gajewski is an Electronics student and a junior at McDowell High School. He is an active member in SkillsUSA and recently participated in a leadership camp, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Erie. Gajewski is on the honor roll for his academic achievements at McDowell. His future plans include pursuing a degree in electrical engineering at Penn State Erie – The Behrend College or to learn about Smart House Technology in a program offered at the Pittsburgh Technical Institute.

Andrea Adams is a third year student in the Health Assistant program and a senior at Harbor Creek High School. She is a SkillsUSA member and is president of the National Technical Honor Society at ECTS and is a member of the National Honor Society at Harbor Creek High School. Adams plans to attend
Penn State Erie – The Behrend College to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or biology. She plans
to continue her studies in medial school with the ultimate goal of becoming a family physician at a
non-profit clinic.

2/18/2008 - STATEWIDE CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION WEEK
- Published by: Galbraith, Melissa

2/12/2008 - ECTS Published in the Integrator – Spring 2007
- Published by: Galbraith, Melissa

They can be found in restaurants, car dealerships, hospitals, nursing homes and manufacturing facilities. They can also be spotted at construction job sites, office buildings and even churches. No matter where they are or what they’re doing, Erie County Technical School (ECTS) students are gaining valuable on-the-job training to complement their high school education.

Co-operative education helps connect classroom learning with work-based learning experiences. Students on co-op continue and expand their technical training by working for employers during the period they would normally attend ECTS during their senior year. In some cases, students begin co-op at the end of their junior year and continue their employment through the summer leading up to their senior year.

Currently, ECTS has nearly 70 students participating in the co-op program with nearly as many employers. ECTS works diligently with current and potential employers to develop an appropriate training plan as well as to monitor the performance of the students. Co-op is a combined effort that makes young people proficient and productive in the workplace.

John Karr Sr., owner of Karr Electric, is a firm believer in on-the-job training. “The co-op student currently working with our crew, who just happens to be my son, is in the Electrical Engineering program. John “Dan” Karr Jr., a senior at McDowell High School, has received a well rounded education at ECTS and possesses a good basic knowledge of both residential and commercial wiring. Working on the job site has helped to expand upon what he has already learned at ECTS and has given John a chance to use different equipment and a variety of tools that he may not have had access to in high school,” continued Karr. “We’ve been working on a major renovation project at the Bishop’s Institute of Applied Sciences and Biblical Studies and I have relied on Dan to do everything from wiring devices and panels, to putting up lights and installing switches and receptacles. From an employer standpoint, you can’t beat real world work experience and the co-op program provides just that.”

Steve Kibbe, a senior at Fort LeBoeuf High School, is an Electrical Engineering student who is currently participating in a co-op position with Chernicky Electric. Paul Chernicky, owner, is a 1972 graduate of ECTS and a great advocate of the co-op program. “Over the years, I’ve employed a number of co-op students and in addition to Steve, I have another ECTS student who has been with me for four years. As we near the completion of a new office building for Pastore Builders, I can honestly say that Steve has basically fulfilled the role of an apprentice. He is proficient in pulling wires, installing fixtures and services and running conduit. He has completed phone/cable television installations and is now skilled in computer wiring (CAT 5).”

From commercial settings to residential construction, ECTS Electrical Engineering students have the basic skills and are in the “learning mode” – open to new procedures, policies and experiences.

Shane Fuller, a senior at Northwestern High School, is more interested in residential wiring and has been working with Scott Sexton, owner of West Tek Electric. “Shane is awesome. He can’t work hard enough and he enjoys every minute he’s on the job site,” said Sexton. “He has a well rounded classroom education and is now putting his skills to use in a real world application. We are in the process of building a multi-million dollar home and Shane has done everything from installing the electric service to running conduit, installing phone and computer data jacks to wiring recess lighting and fixtures.”

Elaine Shaffer, business partnership coordinator at ECTS, visits co-op students once a month for employer evaluations. Students are graded on various criteria including personal appearance, attendance/punctuality, responsibility/dependability, attitude/cooperation and their willingness to learn. They are also evaluated on safety habits, time management/flexibility, employability skill/core competencies, ability to accept constructive criticism and willingness to seek help when needed. Progress, quality and completion of projects are also key components of the monthly observation.

“We take great pride in placing qualified high school students in appropriate co-op positions. Right now we have nearly 70 students out on co-op and I continue to get calls from business and industry seeking qualified employees,” explained Shaffer. “Cooperative education is an important program at the Erie County Technical School and a valuable work-based experience,” continued Shaffer. “The co-op program is reserved for those individuals who are considered to be the most likely to succeed on the job. In addition, our co-op students are representatives of ECTS and because of this important responsibility, there are certain qualifications in place to insure that only conscientious and proficient students participate.”

Shaffer added, “Co-op is a great opportunity for our students and helps open their eyes to employer expectations such as good attendance, responsibility, work ethic and dependability. Whether headed off to college or directly into the workforce, the co-op program provides valuable work experience and is a good addition to a resume.”

“Co-op is also a valuable tool for employers as young people can be enthusiastic and positive influences on other employees. If an employer needs help on a special project or an additional employee to perform typical job duties, the co-op program at ECTS may be a valuable human resource solution. This is also an outstanding opportunity for employers to make a difference in the development of our future workforce.”

1/6/2008 - Erie County Technical School Sees Renewed Interest in Precision Machining
- Published by: Galbraith, Melissa

The Erie County Technical School recently concluded its recruiting efforts for the 2007-08 school year. The intense three step process began in October as the ECTS admissions coordinator traveled to each of 11 Erie County sending school districts to give presentations to ninth graders. Students were provided with general information about ECTS and were also introduced to five cluster areas of study including Transportation, Manufacturing, Communications, Construction and Human Services. Following the home school visitations, ECTS welcomed nearly 2,000 ninth grade students over a two week period. Students had the opportunity to visit three technical programs of their choice where they were given more in-depth information on the program. They learned about post-secondary educational opportunities and gained a better perspective on future careers and employment prospects. Visiting students also conversed with instructors and current students and often participated in classroom projects. The final step in the recruiting process was a school wide open house where potential students and their parents had the opportunity to take a second look at the school as well as the 18 career and technical programs (including two-senior only programs). According to Rob Suprynowicz, Tool & Die instructor, “The open house was well attended with enthusiastic students and interested parents including a substantial number of visitors in the Tool & Die lab.” “Nearly 400 students visited the Tool & Die program during recruitment week and the serious students returned with their parents for a final look during the open house,” continued Suprynowicz. “The new CNC equipment and state-of-the-art technology definitely sparked a greater interest in visiting students. Many of the more serious students have family members in Tool & Die or a related field and understand all the great career opportunities that are available in this industry with the proper education, training and experience.” Dave Myers, who designs molds and works in quality control at Suburban Tool, agreed that there are endless opportunities for hard working and dedicated students. “I visited ECTS with my daughter who is a ninth grader at McDowell. She is very interested in the Tool & Die field but didn’t have the opportunity to visit ECTS with her classmates so we made a point to attend the open house,” said Myers. “This is a great program that can lead to a rewarding career if students take it seriously and work hard. The three year program at ECTS also gives students a chance to gain valuable experience and to determine if they truly like the trade.” Duane and Jennifer Post from Wattsburg attended the open house with their son, Jake. “He was so excited about his first visit to ECTS, he really wanted us to see the school and the program,” explained Jennifer Post. “Our daughter who is in sixth grade also joined us because she’s interested in the Early Childhood Education program.” Mike Lago, a second year Tool & Die student, served as host to his parents, Ken & Missy Dalrymple, and his brother Ken who is a ninth grader at Northwestern High School. “Mike talks about the Tool & Die program constantly,” said the Dalrymple’s. “He was very excited to show us the lab and what he does in school. Tool & Die was an excellent program choice for Mike and we hope he can encourage his younger brother to follow in his footsteps.” Jamie and John Horvath attended the open house with their son Elias. “We were very pleased to tour ECTS and we particularly enjoyed seeing the Tool & Die program,” added the Horvath’s. “We were impressed with the variety of equipment, especially the new CNC machines, as well as the instructor. Elias is interested in entering the workforce immediately following high school and we think the Tool & Die field will provide him with a good career and substantial earning potential.” Lee, Rad and Max Starvaggi also attended the open house to take another look at all the technical programs. Lee graduated from the Auto Body program at ECTS 20 years ago and continues to be a strong advocate for the school. “Thanks to the education I received at ECTS, I operate my own successful business,” said Lee Starvaggi. “We wanted to check out several programs to determine which will offer Rad the greatest career opportunities. I’m impressed that the Tool & Die program still teaches students how to operate the manual equipment while integrating the new CNC equipment and technology. It’s the best of both worlds and a great advantage in the workplace to be able to operate manual lathes, grinders and milling machines while having the training on new CNC equipment.” Suprynowicz is pleased with the renewed interest and enthusiasm for Tool & Die and hopes to see the trend continue. “Our new student enrollment dropped significantly in 2001 with only four incoming students and we’ve struggled since to attract young people to the Tool & Die program,” noted Suprynowicz. “The average number of new students since then has only been eight per year but today, we are encouraged to see a substantial increase in applications with 16 new students to date for the 2008-09 school year.” “Tool & Die is a highly skilled career path that can provide a very rewarding future for those willing to work hard,” continued Suprynowicz. “Our area desperately needs skilled employees and it is my hope that ECTS can play an integral role in providing more and more qualified employees to the manufacturing sector.” The Erie County Technical School serves as the technical education department for 11 Erie County school districts including Fairview, Fort LeBoeuf, General McLane, Girard, Harbor Creek, Iroquois, Millcreek, North East, Northwestern, Union City and Wattsburg. ECTS provides students with 16 programs of study including Art & Design, Automotive Technology, Auto Body, Construction Trades, Computer Information Systems, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Drafting & Design, Early Childhood Education, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Facility Maintenance Technologies, Graphic Communications, Health Assistant, Metal Fabrication and Tool & Die. In addition, one-year programs in Networking Technologies and Tourism and Hospitality Management are available to high school seniors.